Always Remember....

I'll never forget how I felt 9 years ago today when our country was attacked on a beautiful fall day. I had just recently started a new job at the Bursars office at the University of South Carolina. A coworker came into my office and asked if I could pull up the Internet because she had just heard on the radio that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. Instead, we went down the hall to an office where a television was located. It was true. As we stood there and watched as the second building was hit and as the buildings fell, and witnessed the news coverage that a third plane had hit the Pentagon in Washington DC, it came over us all that no students had come into the office. None. An office that is usually bustling with activity in September. It was the most eerie feeling in the world. We eventually all went back to work - quiet and solemn - caring to each others fears and sadness. All making phone calls to check on our loved ones and friends. Scared of what might happen next. It was truly one of the longest days of my life. That night, I remember Jon and myself sitting on the couch together, watching the news, and holding each other. Thankful that we were okay, but terrified and sad for the thousands of families that were touched by this. So, as we go about our lives this September 11th.....REMEMBER. Remember September 11, 2001. Remember that we are free....free to go to college football games, to shop at the mall, to grill out and enjoy the beautiful day. But most of all, remember that we are free to love our families. Free because we are the United States of America.